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2 Milwaukee men charged with attempting to support ISIS

Posted: 4:38 PM, Oct 14, 2016

Updated:2016-10-14 21:06:25Z

By:
TMJ4 Web Staff

Kutluhan Cucel

<p>SANLIURFA, TURKEY - OCTOBER 27: A Islamic State (ISIS) black flag flies neasr the Syrian town of Kobani, October 27, 2014 as seen from the Turkish-Syrian border near the southeastern town of Suruc in Sanliurfa province, (Photo by Kutluhan Cucel/Getty Images)</p>

MILWAUKEE — Two Milwaukee men have been charged with attempting to provide support to the terrorist group ISIS, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Friday.

35-year-old Michael Ludke has been charged with attempting to provide material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization. 30-year-old Yosvany Padilla-Conde was charged with aiding and abetting Ludke's attempt.

The Justice Department says the two men were arrested by the FBI and local law enforcement near San Angelo, Texas. They were allegedly trying to travel to Mexico, where they hoped to gather "aid and documents" necessary to travel to Syria and/or Iraq.

"Terrorism remains the FBI's top priority in keeping Americans safe. The arrest of these two individuals from Wisconsin underscores how the real threat of terrorism can occur anywhere, at anytime," Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Justin Tolomeo said. "We encourage all citizens to remain vigilant in reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement."

If convicted, both men face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.